Khachkar

Two Julfa-type khachkars from the 16th century, removed from the Julfa graveyard before its destruction by Azerbaijan

A Khachkar or Khatchkar ("Խաչքար" in Armenian, meaning "cross-stone", pronounced as IPA: [χɑtʃkɑɹ]) is a carved memorial stone found in Armenia.

It has a crucifix or cross, with a rosette or sun circle below it. Other parts can be filled with patterns of leaves, grapes or knots. Sometimes it has a ledge at the top with saints' or characters from the bible.

Much of the time a khachkar is put up for religious reasons such as the salvation of the soul of a living or a dead person. They have also been removed for other reasons, such as to show a military win, building of a new church, or as a protection from natural disasters.

Most Khachkars are in graveyards. But Armenian gravestones take many other forms, and only a small are khatchkars.

Gallery

• 
  Armenian Khachkar
• 
  Armenian Khachkar

Other websites

• Khachkar.am
• Khatchkar collection at Armenica.org